Several weeks ago, on Druzi Prime, I had the pleasure of an audience with you. I found that occasion rather enlightening, as the Free Systems had never engaged with your race before. I hope you found our encounter as illuminating as I did. After all, had it not been for that conversation I would not have had the success I have enjoyed with my recent ventures.

I had hoped to continue that conversation we began that day, as I am sure we can continue to build positive relations between our nations and be of mutual benefit to each other. I must, however, insist this meeting occur in person. My systems have recently been compromised and I cannot trust such an important series of negotiations without unwanted third parties listening in. This meeting can occur anywhere in the Free Systems or in the Draco System. I can go to you or you can come to me, whichever you prefer.

I am willing to meet with you. I invite you to visit the plane of awareness as my guest. Accommodations for you and your staff will be made, but please inform me beforehand how many of you will be staying.

It took Su Maehl days, and some research using a new U-Mart computer, how to travel... and stay, in the Plane of Awareness where he was supposed to meet the Zaodonai. Granted, he could have asked the Uth Zaodonai but for whatever reason his pride would not let him. Besides, based on his research he's just not sure, based on the incongruent time lapses, that he wouldn't have found the answers before she got back to him anyway.

When he received the message, he immediately responded in the highest form of encryption:"Dear Zaodonai Hajima,

First, I apologize for utilizing your given name and not your surname in my prior correspondence. Second, I am finalizing some matters and will be enroute as soon as I can. Since I have no idea when our two dimensions will cross on the day I choose to depart, I cannot provide an accurate arrival date and time, for which I apologize. In the interim, I thank you profusely.

Yours sincerely,Su Maehl, CEOMaehl Holdings"

Once the coordinates came back, and everything calculated, he ensured he had a case of wine and a few of his famous cakes that Xec Cex loved so much stored onboard his personal craft. He then arranged for undercover transport of the Dahumb's body, which would be unveiled accordingly. Personal Security aboard, he made his way to the home of the Uth.

Of course, the Uth's palace was not what he anticipated when he arrived. It looked like something out of ancient Earthen texts. The materials were not made of metal and transparent material (i.e. plexiglass v.200), but rather stone that appeared to be shaped by an artisan's hand as opposed to built. Secondly, he found the Uth to be some of the most frightening creatures he ever encountered. Their pale skin, black obsidian and/or bone and/or hide (Su couldn't tell) armor, pointy ears and bloodshot eyes were down-right intimidating. But, above all else, nothing was more terrifying than the complete lack of emotion on everyone's faces as he was greeted by everyone.

Upon arriving, he presented himself as Su Maehl of Maehl Holdings, and was here at the invitation of Zaodonai Celyse Hajima, to speak urgently regarding the matter of prophecy given to him by their kind, and additional information he was provided.

He waited anxiously to be given council to the Zaodonai. When prompted, he showed his deepest bows and honors as befitting the leader of an entire alien race he knew absolutely nothing about, in the hopes they would not take offense and kill him through some horrific means he was unaware of. Pleasantries are nice, and were exchanged, but it was vital he begin this conversation promptly.

"I beg your pardon if I am abrupt, Zaodonai, but I am here for a variety of reasons, all of which I could not trust to electronic means. I come today because I am concerned about the actions of the Creeping Darkness, as you conveyed to me, the Warmonger and his actions, and how we are all most likely doomed. Provided you are interested in assisting me, I can begin wherever you like, but I am afraid that the most pressing reason I am here is because I require your assistance in determining who the true avatar of the Creeping Darkness is and how that individual's actions will allow both of the aforementioned ancient evils to destroy the universe. If it is not your prerogative to assist, I merely request you allow me and my men to live, as I came in peaceful terms and do not wish a quarrel with your kind."

Celyse sat atop her black throne watching as the men fell all over themselves to please her and her people. Feeling the slight tinge of amusement, the uthvelor raised her hand to relieve them of their misery.

“Enough, be at ease Su Maehl of Maehl Holdings, you are my guests here. As long as your intentions remain of peace no harm will come to you or your men.”

Celyse listened politely, her face expressionless, as Su Maehl spoke. When he finished she remained eerily silent for a few moments before finally speaking.

“I understand and respect your urgency, Su Maehl of Maehl Holdings. It is my decision to assist you in this matter. I will have you and your men escorted to temporary quarters while I attempt to retrieve the answers you desire.”The lithe woman stood up from her seat and gestured to two of her men. They bowed respectfully and stepped towards Maehl.

“You will be summoned when I am ready to speak with you again.” The uth Zaidonai turned, her leather cloak swaying at the sudden movement, and walked out of the room.

Su breathed a sigh of relief when the strange alien creature accepted his request for assistance.

As the Zaodonai got up to leave, he said, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I have one last request for assistance. A dear friend of mine is injured and in a coma, and I'm afraid I don't know how to heal him. Actually, to be perfectly honest, his anatomy is completely foreign to me. He was attacked and shot with these strange bullets made of a metal called Zela. He collapsed in my chambers, and while my medical team has attempted to revive him, I think I have done all that I can using standard medicine. His name is Xec Cex, and he's Dahumb. I ask of your assistance in this matter, mostly because you are the only person I think I can entrust with helping me. Please help me revive him, for I fear that without him we are all doomed."

When requested, his team bought out the comatose body of the Dahumb, to be taken wherever the Zaodonai decrees. In the interim, Su Maehl looked worriedly at the situation, but trying desperately not to show it. He had a feeling the Zaodonai would notice anyway, but there was little that could be done about that...

Celyse stops at the man’s request, but does not turn. “Have the Da'uhnb delivered to the medical bay. I will see to him later.” After her men respond “Yes Zaidonai,” she steps out of the room.

In an hour’s time, two uthvelor soldiers escort Maehl back from his quarters. Celyse’s expression, as usual, is unreadable as Maehl is led before her.

“What you seek, Su Maehl of Maehl Holdings, are Angel D. Their actions and memories are convoluted and strange due to the madness of the Creeping darkness. She thinks she rules all of creation.” The uth woman leans back in her seat, staring at Maehl to gauge his reaction.

“I will see to your friend now, take this time to consider what I have told you.”

Su was dumbfounded when Xec Cex jumped up and gave him a hug. He stood there, motionless, as Xec disappeared in a blue flash. As he looked at the Uthvelor aliens around him, they appeared stoic in response to the Da'unhb's antics. These Uthvelor were a strange species indeed.

He looked around the room, but had no idea who to ask his next question to.

"I'm sorry, but is there any way I can request one final audience with the Zaodonai before I leave? While she answered one part of my question, it did not answer my second." Then, in what had become the standard response to his inquiries, the Uthvelor in the room looked at him stoically. Great, thought Su to himself, these Uth sure know how to make a guy feel welcome.